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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Just a few quick pictures from our dining room before all the festivities. :)

I've had the sheer golden tablecloth for several years, but this is the first time I've used it. The dinner plates are Wedgwood, and the salad plates are Noritake; both belonged to my mother. The bone-handled knives and German silver spoons were antique store finds. We never got a sterling flatware set when we were married, but I have enjoyed collecting old flatware. Other collections include tole trays hanging on the wall, and milk glass in the corner cupboard. The cut glass pieces on the painted chest are part of my mother's collection. I guess collecting runs in the family. :)

Sunday, December 18, 2011

It seems that Christmas brings out the magpie in me. Glitter-encrusted faux fruit are nestled in a cut-crystal bowl that belonged to my mother, with a rope of beads flowing over the top. Golden faux hydrangeas sit atop the painted chest in the red dining room in our little red house. Warmed by the southern light that pours into the room, everything shines all the more. It's beginning to feel like Christmas here. How about in your house?

Please note: there will be no Mosaic Monday next week. If I don't see you before Christmas, have a wonderful holiday!

Here are the instructions to join today's post:1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post. The post may be about any subject you wish. The only stipulation is that it include a collage, or mosaic of photos.2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.5. Click on "Enter."6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline

And a quick reminder: if you would like to join Mosaic Monday but don't know quite where to start, there is a tutorial on mosaic-making on my sidebar. Just scroll down, and click on the small blue mosaic.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

It's beginning to feel a bit more like Christmas here. My good blogging friend Kate told me to do a little decorating, and listen to some Christmas music, and I would begin to feel better. And I do.

My husband brought me four armloads of red and white tulips, and some Godiva chocolates. Oh, how I love this man! Just seeing them as I walk through the room makes me feel better.

My children came home for the weekend, and we started on our Christmas decorations. The old and well-loved traditions help to bring a sense of peace, especially in this year that has, at times, seemed like one sadness after another. And while the sadness is still there, the quiet joy of the season is there, too.

Another blogging friend, Georgianna, told me that quiet reflection is as valuable as festive celebration. So that's where I am at the moment -- doing a little decorating, listening to a few Christmas songs, eating a little chocolate, and reflecting on how fortunate I am to have such wonderful and caring family and friends. Including you, my dear blogging friends. Thank you for listening, thank you for caring, thank you for your comments, encouragement and prayers for someone you have never even met.

Wishing you much love and laughter as you prepare for this Christmas season. xoxo

Sunday, December 11, 2011

While I don't really look forward to snowy weather, I do appreciate how beautiful it can be, and I always hope for a little dusting around the holidays. So I guess I can call this another white Christmas mosaic. I'm so sorry it's rather small. I have to admit that I'm not really feeling Christmas too much yet. In fact, I'm in a bit of a funk. Just thought I'd put that out there. I know that the holidays can be difficult for some people, and that sometimes the stress of trying to make the perfect storybook Christmas instead just makes us depressed. So I'm going to take a moment to look around and appreciate the beauty all around me. I'm going to take one day at a time, and see where that leads me. Hopefully, it will lead me to a merry Christmas. :)

Here are the instructions to join today's post:1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post. The post may be about any subject you wish. The only stipulation is that it include a collage, or mosaic of photos.2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.5. Click on "Enter."6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline

And a quick reminder: if you would like to join Mosaic Monday but don't know quite where to start, there is a tutorial on mosaic-making on my sidebar. Just scroll down, and click on the small blue mosaic.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

First of all, thank you all for your comments on my last post. Your thoughts and prayers are so greatly appreciated! There was a great outpouring of love and support from our church and our community this weekend, as the two families buried their sons. We are all striving to hold them close, and remember them in this busy season. I cannot imagine how difficult it will be for them.

As for my mosaic today, it's a repeat of one from years past. While my little red house lends itself to the traditional Christmas colors, sometimes I feel the need for something cleaner and calmer. Something a little quieter, more muted. Here is my version of a white Christmas. :)

Here are the instructions to join today's post:1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post. The post may be about any subject you wish. The only stipulation is that it include a collage, or mosaic of photos.2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.5. Click on "Enter."6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline

And a quick reminder: if you would like to join Mosaic Monday but don't know quite where to start, there is a tutorial on mosaic-making on my sidebar. Just scroll down, and click on the small blue mosaic.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

This has been a very sad week for us -- two young men, who went all through grammar school and high school with my daughter, were killed in a car crash on Monday afternoon. One leaves a father, mother and older sister; the other leaves a father, mother and seven younger siblings. If you can, please remember them, their families, our schools and our town in your prayers. We are devastated.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Do you have any dogs (or dog-lovers) on your Christmas list this year? What do you get for the dog who has everything? How about something bright and colorful and personalized with their name?

I had the opportunity to meet earlier this week with Nicole, owner of Bone-a-Fide Bandanas. Nicole is the daughter of my dear friend Robin. She is a smart, capable, savvy 21-year-old with her own business, making personalized bandanas and blankets for the canine set. She has been in business for about a year now, traveling to craft fairs around the state and building her website.

The idea for the business began with the simple bandanas that are given out with a visit to the dog groomer. Nicole thought to improve on the idea by personalizing them, and adding a clean edging with threads in colors that compliment the fabrics. She offers an ever-changing variety of fabrics, too -- everything from camo to cards to chili peppers, and much more. There are also fabrics for major holidays. You can see a few of her Christmas bandanas in one of the photos above.

Modeling a few of Nicole's creations here is Riley, her Jack Russell terrier. The bandanas come in five different sizes, to fit everything from a Chihuahua to a Bernese Mountain dog. In case you were wondering, the photos were taken in Robin's beautiful house. I will have to do another post on that soon. ;)

Best of all, for readers of Little Red House, Nicole is offering 20% off your total order through December 31st. Just use the code REDHOUSE. You may request gift packaging (bone patterned organza bag) by including the word "gift" in the text box which appears with each bandana listed in your shopping cart.

Here are the instructions to join today's post:1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post. The post may be about any subject you wish. The only stipulation is that it include a collage, or mosaic of photos.2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.5. Click on "Enter."6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline

And a quick reminder: if you would like to join Mosaic Monday but don't know quite where to start, there is a tutorial on mosaic-making on my sidebar. Just scroll down, and click on the small blue mosaic.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

This is a somewhat unusual mosaic, but I thought I would show you what I have been working on for the past week -- Christmas cards for my portrait photography business. They are all designed to be printed as 5"x7" flat cards. Two of the designs are made for ornate die cut shaped cards.

I will be printing the first card as our family Christmas card this year. And can I tell you a little secret? I have never been this early with my Christmas cards. In fact, some years they just don't get done at all... ;)

Here are the instructions to join today's post:1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post. The post may be about any subject you wish. The only stipulation is that it include a collage, or mosaic of photos.2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.5. Click on "Enter."6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline

And a quick reminder: if you would like to join Mosaic Monday but don't know quite where to start, there is a tutorial on mosaic-making on my sidebar. Just scroll down, and click on the small blue mosaic.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

OK, so you didn't really think it was me getting the facelift, did you? Not that I wouldn't mind donating an extra chin or two to charity, you know. In fact, now that I look back on the sanctimonious attitude I took toward plastic surgery in my thirties, I shake my head in sorrow. Oh, if only I knew. Nowadays, having a forehead you could bounce a bullet off of doesn't sound like such a horrible thing... lol

Anyway, as you can see, it was our Little Red House getting the much-needed facelift. I actually shudder to show you the before pictures. How truly hideous! The path was pathetic to begin with, but with the tree roots pushing it awry, well... it was dangerous as well as ugly.

It was so exciting to watch the transformation, though, day to day. (Yes, I need to get a life.) I can't tell you how happy we were to simply see the shape of the new path dug out. And as it started to take shape, we became even more ecstatic. Now, we are absolutely giddy to simply walk on it, and find a dozen excuses a day to do so. :)

Here are the instructions to join today's post:1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post. The post may be about any subject you wish. The only stipulation is that it include a collage, or mosaic of photos.2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.5. Click on "Enter."6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline

And a quick reminder: if you would like to join Mosaic Monday but don't know quite where to start, there is a tutorial on mosaic-making on my sidebar. Just scroll down, and click on the small blue mosaic.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

First of all, thank you so much for all your sweet comments earlier in the week. Things are getting back to normal around here slowly but surely. It's so strange to be even partially without power. All the little things you take for granted -- like light switches and washing machines and cable modems -- are all suddenly useless. I don't think I have ever really appreciated how very difficult life must have been before the advent of electricity. ;)

I wanted my mosaic this week to be cheerful and pretty, so here is a group of flowers from my flickr set My Flower Faves. I have been getting the urge to shoot flowers lately, so I think I may have to see what my supermarket has in stock tomorrow. Yes, I know that I am perverse about enjoying the seasons while they last. I just feel as though I've had an overload of leaves and pumpkins. I need a little something girly. You understand, right?

Here are the instructions to join today's post:1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post. The post may be about any subject you wish. The only stipulation is that it include a collage, or mosaic of photos.2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.5. Click on "Enter."6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline

And a quick reminder: if you would like to join Mosaic Monday but don't know quite where to start, there is a tutorial on mosaic-making on my sidebar. Just scroll down, and click on the small blue mosaic.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

It started on Saturday. I was at my favorite bakery, Cocoluxe, with my dear friend Robin. We were sitting at a table by the window when we saw the first flakes appear. As you can see, the maple trees were still aflame with autumn color.

At first it looked beautiful -- a patchwork quilt of green grass, autumn color, and white snow. For the past three years running, we have had our first snow in late October. Those others were just a dusting, and soon melted, but this one was different.

As the morning progressed, the snow began to accumulate, and I began to hear our small town's emergency sirens go off several times.

Then we lost power.

We have a generator which runs our furnace, well pump, sump pump and kitchen and den lights. The generator kicked in, and I breathed a sigh of relief. At least our pipes would not freeze and our cellar would not flood. My husband had been in Washington D.C. and was scheduled to fly into Newark on Saturday afternoon. He took the train instead, which was probably a good thing. Newark was pretty much shut down by late afternoon. By early evening, we had around 4-5 inches of snow.

Power returned around 2:00 am Sunday. We cheered. But then it went off again at 8:30 am. And it stayed off for the next four days. I spent most of Monday trying to reach someone (anyone) at our propane supplier, to supply the generator. And I went through internet withdrawal. ;)

We were very lucky. We had a warm and dry house. And even though this huge branch came down on our deck, it did not break anything. Driving around on Sunday, we viewed hundreds of downed tree branches, hanging wires and swollen streams. Roads were closed to through traffic, and getting around town entailed several detours and a thorough knowledge of the back roads. Schools and businesses were closed. A few of our surrounding towns cancelled Halloween.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

My kitchen windows look out over the deck and the garden. At this time of year, the afternoon light slants in warmly, casting shadows over the vintage cherry table that originally stood in my mother's dining room.

I always keep autumn flowers here, to brighten the room as the days grow shorter. I love these reds and golds and browns, warm and cheerful colors that compliment the painted cabinets. In fact, I respond instinctively to these colors. So when I saw these heirloom golden beets in the supermarket yesterday, I brought them home simply because they were so beautiful.

And the first thing I did was to plop them in this wire basket and start taking photographs. lol

I added a few heirloom apples as well. I know that heirlooms are treasured for their flavor and vigorous growing habits, but I think I would buy them simply because of their names -- William's Pride, Cox's Orange Pippen, Belle de Boskoop. :)

And finally, wire baskets. I cannot resist them. I love their mixture of beauty and utility. And they are fabulous photo props, n'cest pas? ;)

Do you have plans for the weekend? I hesitate to even type this out loud, but we may be expecting a little s-n-o-w.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

I've got an old school mosaic for you today -- made at Big Huge Labs from one of my flickr sets called "my landscape faves." I feel like that is cheating, but it's been a busy weekend. :)

Despite it's nickname as the "Garden State," my home state of New Jersey tends to get a bad rap as the home of the idiots from the television show Jersey Shore, or for the ugliness of the New Jersey Turnpike.

I beg to differ.

With the exception of the sunset in the first row, which was taken down the shore, every other image in this mosaic was photographed within ten minutes from our little red house.

I ♥ New Jersey.

Here are the instructions to join today's post:1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post. The post may be about any subject you wish. The only stipulation is that it include a collage, or mosaic of photos.2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.3. Paste the url into the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.4. Type your name in the appropriate inlinkz box in this post.5. Click on "Enter."6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline

And a quick reminder: if you would like to join Mosaic Monday but don't know quite where to start, there is a tutorial on mosaic-making on my sidebar. Just scroll down, and click on the small blue mosaic.

Friday, October 21, 2011

First of all, let me say that I have been a good little girl. I haven't been to the thrift store since April or May. In fact, my favorite thrift store moved into a larger building over the summer, and this week was the first time I had been there to check it out.

And wow, what a difference! Where before it had been housed in the basement of a very small church, it is now in a large, bright and airy room with lots of space to show off all the great things for sale.

As you walk in the door, there is a large table filled with all the housewares that I love -- dishes and trays and lamps and candlesticks -- and everything is styled beautifully. In fact, it almost looks like an upscale home decor shop. But with really good prices. ;)

So what did I get? I got this beautiful Wedgwood covered casserole dish, for $8. Yes, as you have probably guessed, I'm a sucker for covered dishes. And this was just the perfect color to go in my kitchen.

So now I have to make up for lost time at the thrift store, right? I have my eye on a small tea set and a Victorian chair... ;)

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About Me

I am a 50-something reluctant housewife (I'd rather be an international supermodel or a forest ranger or a jockey), mother of two great but sometimes annoying kids ages 25 and 21, and wife to a funny, hard-working attorney.

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